A lot of Celtic fans have been voicing their displeasure with a statement by the club relating to the suspension handed down to Ryan Christie.
As reported by Sky Sports, the 24-year-old has been given a two-match ban by the Scottish FA over an incident in the Glasgow derby defeat at the end of December.
According to Sky Sports, Christie appeared to grab the groin area of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, which drew a free kick for the ‘Gers but nothing more. However, an SFA disciplinary hearing deemed him guilty of “an act of brutality” constituting violent conduct, hence their decision to administer a two-game suspension.
Celtic’s top scorer for the season so far will be suspended for the upcoming fixtures against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup and Kilmarnock in the Premiership, as per Sky Sports.
The Hoops reacted to the punishment for Christie with a statement on their official website celticfc.net expressing their disappointment at the ban, saying: “Celtic Football Club and Ryan Christie are extremely disappointed at the outcome of the hearing today.
“Given the recent treatment of Celtic players and the lack of sanctions being imposed on those responsible, the fact that a sanction has been imposed on Ryan for the incident in question demonstrates a worrying lack of consistency in the Scottish FA fast track process.
“Naturally, we will be contacting the Scottish FA regarding our concerns. Scottish football deserves a disciplinary process which is fair, consistent and fit for purpose.”
However, the statement did not go down well with these Celtic fans on Twitter, with many feeling that it was far too mild:
That is so weak and cowardly you would have been as well saying nothing. You better start getting vocal on these things or expect a backlash from us fans (or as you prefer ‘customers’) who have been paying thousands every year to support our team. You dont deserve our support.
— 45% Stood Tall (@1888_Originals) January 6, 2020
Spineless from Celtic board, the support has been vilified in the usual outlets for 2 weeks and no response. Now this….. its becoming blatant and calls for more than a bland statement.
— Turlough O’Coinn (@Turloughog77) January 6, 2020
Throw some punches, Celtic!
— 8inarow (@celticchamps67) January 6, 2020
Bland and accepting SFA corruption. Very disappointing HH
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) January 6, 2020
Fairly tame. Stronger words were used when a flare was let off in the ground.
— Seán ó Conghaile (@SeanConnolly67) January 6, 2020
As a member shareholder I am ashamed of my club after this statement. It might be time to change the regime. If the current board have no stomach for the truth let them feed off anyone but Celtic. @Pmacgiollabhain
— Danny (@DannyTipster) January 6, 2020
Is that it??????? Lip service again!! Hopefully the fans grow a pair and hit the club where it hurts. Stop giving the SFA a chance to defend themselves, its already clear as day what their agenda is
— CelticThrough&Through Bolingoli (@celticthrough) January 6, 2020
I sent a stronger worded statement to the council about a street lamp that isnt working last week .
— James Patrick (@JPFlawless82) January 6, 2020
Celtic fans, what do you make of the club’s statement on Christie’s suspension? Share your views in the comments section below!
